Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone that might possibly not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and ways to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support as well as further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.